The glenohumeral joint is the articulation of the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) into the glenoid socket of the scapula (shoulder blade). This ball-and-socket joint is incredibly mobile due to the surrounding soft tissue restraints; however, these restraints provide poor stability leaving the shoulder joint to be easily dislocated. While athletes involved in contact sports, such as hockey or football, are the most susceptible to experiencing a shoulder dislocation, non-athletic individuals can sustain a shoulder dislocation from a fall onto an outstretched hand or blunt force trauma directly to the shoulder joint.
In the event of a shoulder dislocation, the humeral head must first be manually manipulated back into the glenoid socket of the scapula. This procedure, known as a joint reduction, should only be performed by a medical professional with experience in this technique. If the joint is successfully reduced, the shoulder pain should immediately improve.
Conservative therapies, such as rest, ice, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) will follow a successful joint reduction to alleviate any symptoms from minor shoulder dislocations. However, more invasive treatment measures may be necessary for a complex shoulder dislocation, failed shoulder joint reduction, or patients with chronic or severe shoulder instability. The goal of surgical intervention is to minimize the risk of future shoulder dislocations and developing arthritis from weakened tissues. Dr. Frank McCormick, orthopedic shoulder doctor, treats patients in Orlando, Palm Beach County, and surrounding Florida communities, who have experienced a shoulder dislocation and are in need of surgical shoulder stabilization.
While the minimally invasive arthroscopic technique is a great option for some patients, there are particular circumstances that may necessitate an open surgical technique to successfully repair a shoulder dislocation. The open surgical approach creates a slightly larger incision for Dr. McCormick to visualize the entire glenohumeral joint while conducting the necessary repairs. Patients who have experienced bone loss, chronic shoulder instability, or shoulder dislocation that was not successfully reduced are the ideal candidates for this surgical approach.
For more information on shoulder labrum and SLAP tear repairs, or to discuss your shoulder labrum treatment options, please contact the office of Frank McCormick, MD, orthopedic shoulder doctor serving Orlando, Kissimmee, Palm Beach County, Florida, and the surrounding areas.
